India Urges B'desh to Fast-Track Nationality Check of Nearly 3K Immigrants

India has intensified pressure on Bangladesh to speed up the nationality verification of nearly 3,000 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, amid growing diplomatic friction over alleged “pushback” incidents along the border and renewed political focus on illegal migration after the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Responding to remarks made by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman , External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi expects Dhaka’s cooperation in the repatriation of illegal immigrants under existing bilateral mechanisms.

“Over 2,862 nationality verification cases are pending with Bangladesh, some for more than five years,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing. “All illegal foreign nationals staying in India must be repatriated according to our laws, procedures and established bilateral arrangements.”

The diplomatic exchange comes days after Rahman warned that Bangladesh would take action if India forcibly pushed suspected Bangladeshi nationals across the border without due process. Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has also reportedly directed the Border Guard Bangladesh to remain alert following concerns over possible increased deportations after the BJP’s electoral victory in West Bengal and Assam.

The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh has long remained politically sensitive in eastern India. During the recent West Bengal election campaign, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of allowing infiltration from Bangladesh, allegations rejected by the regional party.

Another major issue discussed during the briefing was Bangladesh’s growing engagement with China over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project . Rahman reportedly sought Beijing’s support for the project during his ongoing visit to China, including discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

India reiterated that all matters concerning the 54 shared rivers between the two neighbours should be handled through established bilateral mechanisms. New Delhi has traditionally opposed Chinese involvement in Teesta-related projects due to the river’s strategic location near sensitive border areas. The Teesta flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it is crucial for irrigation and livelihoods.